Signification
Expression of surprise or admiration.
Contexte culturel
Estonians are often considered quiet. Using 'vau' is a sign of modern openness and a departure from the 'silent Finnic' stereotype. In the tech hubs of Tallinn (like Telliskivi), 'vau' is the lingua franca of the startup world. Younger Estonians use 'vau' almost as much as English speakers, often mixing it with other English slang like 'chill' or 'cool'. In the countryside, you might still hear 'ohoo' or 'ennäe' more often than 'vau', especially among the elderly.
Lengthen for effect
Say 'Vauuuu' if you are really, really impressed.
Watch your tone
A flat 'vau' can sound sarcastic to Estonians.
Signification
Expression of surprise or admiration.
Lengthen for effect
Say 'Vauuuu' if you are really, really impressed.
Watch your tone
A flat 'vau' can sound sarcastic to Estonians.
Social Media King
If you don't know what to comment on an Estonian's photo, 'Vau! 🔥' is always safe.
The 'Reserved' Rule
Don't be offended if an Estonian doesn't say 'vau' back; they might just be being traditionally stoic!
Teste-toi
Täida lünk sobiva sõnaga.
______, kui ilus kleit sul on!
We use 'vau' to compliment someone's appearance.
Vali õige reaktsioon.
Sinu sõber võitis loteriiga 1000 eurot. Mida sa ütled?
Winning the lottery is a positive surprise, so 'vau' with a positive comment is correct.
Match the 'Vau' to the correct tone.
1. Genuine admiration, 2. Sarcastic disbelief
Context and the following sentence determine if 'vau' is sincere or sarcastic.
Lõpeta dialoog.
A: Ma sain uue töö! B: ______! See on suurepärane uudis!
Getting a new job is a reason for celebration and amazement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Vau!
Positive
- • Beautiful view
- • Great news
- • Cool gift
Negative
- • Funeral
- • Accident
- • Formal meeting
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______, kui ilus kleit sul on!
We use 'vau' to compliment someone's appearance.
Sinu sõber võitis loteriiga 1000 eurot. Mida sa ütled?
Winning the lottery is a positive surprise, so 'vau' with a positive comment is correct.
1. Genuine admiration, 2. Sarcastic disbelief
Context and the following sentence determine if 'vau' is sincere or sarcastic.
A: Ma sain uue töö! B: ______! See on suurepärane uudis!
Getting a new job is a reason for celebration and amazement.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is a recognized loanword and is used in dictionaries as an interjection.
In a modern startup, yes. In a traditional bank, maybe stick to 'väga hea'.
Always with a 'v' in Estonian: V-A-U.
'Ohoo' is more traditional and slightly more formal/literary.
Only if used sarcastically. Otherwise, it's almost always positive.
Sometimes in texts, but 'vau' is the proper Estonian way.
It refers to the 'wow factor' or the immediate positive impression something makes.
Less common than in cities, but still understood by everyone.
No, that would be very confusing. Use 'mida põrgut' instead.
Yes, many Estonian pop and rap songs use 'vau' as a filler or reaction.
Expressions liées
ohoo
synonymA traditional expression of surprise.
vau-efekt
specialized formThe 'wow factor'.
vaimustav
similarMarvelous / Enthusiastic.
äge
builds onCool / Awesome.
uskumatu
similarUnbelievable.
